CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2017-18 Klinger Middle School Log College Middle School 1

Table of Contents Middle School Program Overview 3 Core Course Descriptions 4 Grade 6. 7 Grade 7. 9 Grade 8. 11 Expo Course Descriptions 14 Expo Pathways.. 15 Art 17 Business, Computers, and Information Technology. 18 Family and Consumer Science 19 Innovation And 20 Music 20 Physical Education 21 STEM... 22 2

Middle School Program Overview The goal of the Middle School Program is to develop academic skills, build content knowledge, and expand learning experiences into new areas of study. At each grade level, support structures are in place to help students transition from the elementary school and prepare for the high school. In sixth grade, students are in teams with the same set of teachers. The team structure allows teachers to coordinate instructional assignments and assessments, flex schedules for interdisciplinary activities, and support individual student s academic needs and social development. In seventh and eighth grade, students take classes with different peers in departments. The department structure allows students to have self-selected options for Expos and a variety of academic course options. The middle school schedule is a seven period day; five periods are dedicated to the core subjects and two periods are dedicated to Expo subjects. Core courses are full year courses. Expo courses are half year courses that meet for a semester or every other day. All middle school students are required to take the following core and expo subjects, unless modified in a student s individualized education plan: Required Core Courses Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Language Arts Language Arts English Reading Reading Math Math Math Science Science Science Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies World Language or Literacy Course 3

Required Expo Courses Expo Department Semesters Art 1 Business, Computers, & Informational Technology 2 Family and Consumer Science 1 Music 1 Physical Education/Health 3 STEM 1 Academic Courses Academic courses are designed around a set of subject-specific standards. Academic courses include content and skill-based goals and objectives appropriate for each grade level. Advanced and Honors Courses Advanced-level and honors-level courses are designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace, with increased independence, and in greater depth. These courses are more challenging than academic courses and may include additional content. Students in advanced-level and honors-level courses are recommended by their teachers through multiple criteria that include proficiency on a variety of curriculum-based assessments and performance in class. Supportive Courses Supportive courses are designed for students who have individualized educational plans (IEPs). In these courses, students may receive modified curriculum materials and specialized instruction to meet their individual learning goals and needs. 4

Middle School Skills for Success (MSSFS) Middle School Skills for Success provides direct instruction in the areas of study skills and organization, explicit skill instruction related to IEP goals, and social skills instruction. This course is for students who receive Learning Support or Emotional Support services, but who are not scheduled in both Supportive Reading and Supportive Math for academic reasons. Students' IEP teams must pre-determine the student qualifies for this instruction in at least 2 of the 3 focus categories based on outlined criteria. The instruction is provided by a special education teacher three times in six days in place of one Expo class. Every attempt is made to schedule opposite Physical Education or another Expo that meets every other day. Course Codes: Grade 6 2603 Grade 7 2703 Grade 8 2803 Reading Support Courses Reading support courses are designed to provide focused reading instruction in comprehension. Students will learn how to apply reading strategies and build vocabulary knowledge and reading stamina while utilizing a variety of high interest texts. READ 180 READ 180 is offered to students who meet academic criteria and are recommended by their teachers. In this course, students rotate through stations that include direct instruction, specialized software modules, and independent reading. Students work with texts at their instructional level. This course is a double-block and takes the place of the students reading course and an Expo course. Course Codes: Grade 6 6180 Grade 7 7180 Grade 8 8180 5

Advanced Thinking Enrichment (Gifted Courses) Sixth and seventh grade students with gifted individualized educational plans (GIEPs) may select to participate in a gifted class in lieu of their reading classes. Eighth grade students with gifted individualized educational plans (GIEPs) may select to participate in a gifted English course. The Advanced Thinking Enrichment courses are designed to support students with GIEPs by enhancing critical thinking skills and analytical reasoning abilities. They are also designed to extend beyond the academic curriculum to enrich content learning in reading, English, science, and social studies, as well as broadening interdisciplinary areas of interest. Supports for students with GIEPs exist in all courses through the selection and completion of independent goals. The Advanced Thinking Enrichment classes in each grade level allow students to be in a cohort. The following courses are available for students who have GIEPs: Advanced Thinking Enrichment 6 (6106) The Gifted 6 course focuses on critical thinking skills in the content areas of reading, science, and social studies. During the reading unit, students will read a variety of challenging texts that support interdisciplinary connections with an emphasis on divergent thinking, self-directed inquiry, literary and expository text analysis, and reasoning. During the science and social studies units, students will use extended thinking and reasoning skills while exploring core curriculum concepts more in depth. As a culminating unit, the students will create a final product that encompasses the specified thematic content covered throughout the course of each year. Along with this work, students will also pursue individual topics of interest through independent goal completion. Advanced Thinking Enrichment 7 (7106) The Gifted 7 course focuses on critical thinking skills in the content areas of reading, science, and social studies. During the reading unit, students will read a variety of challenging texts that support interdisciplinary connections with an emphasis on divergent thinking, self-directed inquiry, literary and expository text analysis, and reasoning. During the science and social studies units, students will use extended thinking and reasoning skills while exploring core curriculum concepts more in depth. As a culminating unit, the students will create a final product that encompasses the specified thematic content covered throughout the course of each year. Along with this work, students will also pursue individual topics of interest through independent goal completion. 6

Advanced Thinking Enrichment 8 (8006)b In this course, students will extend beyond the general English 8 curriculum to read more challenging texts with an emphasis on literary analysis. Students will compose formal and informal writing pieces with a focus on in-text citations and references. Students will develop their research skills through formal research projects on self-selected topics. Along with this work, students will also pursue individual topics of interest through independent goal completion. English as a Second Language Students who are eligible for English as a second language (ESL) courses are those who have limited English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Student eligibility is determined by assessments of English proficiency administered by the ESL teacher. Students enrolled in ESL courses will take these courses in place of reading, language arts, or English, depending on each student s individual language needs. Teacher recommendation and placement is required. Course Codes: Beginning ESL 5015 & 5115 Intermediate ESL 5025 & 5125 Advanced ESL 5035 & 5135 Core Course Descriptions Grade 6 Language Arts (6000) In Language Arts 6, students focus on the writing process by composing narrative, informative, argumentative, and literary pieces. Other topics include writing conventions, vocabulary, and reading. At this level, students are identifying and developing clear intentions while writing organized, focused, and supported pieces. An emphasis will be placed on grammar, usage, and mechanics. Students will read and analyze various literary and nonfiction texts. Math (6300) This math course prepares students for pre-algebra by computing with multi-digit numbers and finding common multiples and factors, and by extending previous understanding of arithmetic to ratios, rational numbers, properties of numbers, algebraic expressions, solutions of simple equations and their applications. Other 7

topics include measurement, geometry, unit rates, coordinate system, data analysis, and probability. Advanced Math ( 6301) Advanced Math is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in math. Students in this advanced class will accelerate one full year in math bypassing the sixth grade math curriculum to study the seventh grade math curriculum one year earlier than the average student. Placement in this course will be based on individual student data and projections of proficiency on future assessments. Reading ( 6100) In Reading, students will read a variety of literary and nonfiction texts and focus on the reading process by exploring strategies including setting a purpose, previewing, clarifying, monitoring comprehension, drawing inferences, evaluating and analyzing text. Science (6400) In Science 6, students will study Earth and space science. Students will learn about the oceans, meteorology, climate, and space. In the area of meteorology, students will study the water cycle, air pressure, causes and effects of natural disasters, and how climate is impacted. When studying astronomy, topics include stars and galaxies, constellations, objects in the Solar System, and the moon s effects on the Earth. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments. Social Studies (6200) Social Studies 6 focuses on early humans, ancient civilizations, beginning in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Greece and leading through to the Fall of Rome. Students will learn about how civilizations develop and the patterns among civilizations. Students will develop skills as social scientists, such as analyzing cause and effect, and work with primary and secondary source materials. 8

Grade 7 Language Arts (7000) In Language Arts 7, students focus on the writing process by composing informative, argumentative, and literary pieces. Other topics include writing conventions, vocabulary, and reading. At this level, students are developing style, engaging the reader, and defending a stance using different viewpoints while writing organized, focused, and supported pieces. An emphasis will be placed on grammar, usage, and mechanics. Students will read and analyze various literary and nonfiction texts. Honors Language Arts (7001) The Honors Language Arts 7 course challenges students in the areas of reading, literature study, writing, research, speaking, and critical thinking. Both fiction and nonfiction selections will be examined, with emphasis on literary analysis of texts. Students will analyze challenging texts and complete reading and writing assignments independently with a high degree of critical thought, organization, and attention to details. In this honors course, students will encounter challenging texts and writing assignments, so they are expected to be avid readers and proficient writers, demonstrating a clear command of basic conventions and grammar rules. At this level, students independently continue to develop their writing style, with variety and complex usage of vocabulary. Honors level students are expected to continue in the Honors program and aim for Advanced Placement work in high school. Teacher recommendation is required for this course. Math 7 (7300) This course expands the application of rational numbers to numerical and algebraic expressions and to the solution of real-life and mathematical multi step problems using equations, inequalities, proportions, and percent. Geometric topics include angle measurement, constructions, properties of two and three-dimensional figures, and the application of geometric formulas. Topics also include statistics and probability, random sampling, statistical models and compound probability. Pre-Algebra 7 (7301) Pre-Algebra is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in math. Problem solving, application, communication, and reasoning are emphasized throughout the course. Students in this advanced class will continue their acceleration in math by studying the Grade 8 Algebra Topics 9

curriculum one year early. Placement in this course will be based on individual student data and projections of proficiency on future assessments. Reading 7 (7100) In Reading 7, instruction will focus on learning and practicing reading strategies to deepen comprehension and promote student transaction with text, both fiction and informational, through the use of reading mini-lessons and conferences, guided and independent reading, and book talks. Students will engage in word study and analysis of literary and structural elements of texts. Science (7400) In Science 7, physical science is the focus. Students learn about the basic principles of chemistry, energy, and force. Topics include matter, elements, forms of energy, electricity, simple machines, and Newton s Laws. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments. Honors Science (7401) In Honors Science 7, the focus of the course is physical science. The honors level is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in science. Students learn about the basic principles of chemistry, physics, energy, and force. Science topics include matter, elements, forms of energy, electricity, simple machines, and Newton s Laws. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments, and will be encouraged to develop skills consisting of analysis, application, and problem solving in relating inquiry-based labs to the material studied in class. Students in this course should be strong in math and reading skills. Teacher recommendation is required for this course. Social Studies (7200) Social Studies 7 focuses on world history from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The major topics include how government, society, and economic policies are influenced by religion. Students will develop skills as social scientists such as analyzing cause and effect and work with primary and secondary source materials. Honors Social Studies (7201) Honors Social Studies 7 focuses on world history from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The major topics include how government, society, and economic policies are influenced by religion. The course is designed for students who enjoy an in-depth study of world history and seek rigorous, honors level work in the social studies. Students are expected to read many historical texts independently, 10

and to use both primary and secondary resources to complete historical research. In addition, students will demonstrate an understanding of chronological development and historical comprehension. Teacher recommendation is required for this course. Grade 8 English (8000) Students will combine the skills and strategies previously learned in Language Arts classes to comprehend, question, connect, and analyze text verbally and through composition. Students will continue to develop their writing style through various modes of writing. An emphasis will be placed on the writing process as well as the conventions of language (grammar, usage, and mechanics). Honors English (8001) The Honors English 8 course challenges students in the areas of reading, literature study, writing, research, speaking and critical thinking. Both fiction and nonfiction selections will be examined, with emphasis on literary analysis of texts. Students will analyze challenging texts and complete reading and writing assignments independently with a high degree of critical thought, organization, and attention to details. In this honors course, students will encounter challenging texts and writing assignments, so they are expected to be avid readers and proficient writers, demonstrating a clear command of basic conventions and grammar rules. At this level, students develop their writing style, with variety and complex usage of vocabulary. Honors level students are expected to continue in the Honors program and aim for Advanced Placement work in high school. Teacher recommendation is required for this course. Academic Literacy (8100) English Literacy is an intense literacy course designed for students who need to hone their critical reading, writing, and listening skills. Students will learn how to think critically and analytically while reading various texts. Students will utilize the writing process to compose written pieces that effectively and logically communicate clear arguments/ideas/facts. An emphasis will be placed on grammar, usage, and mechanics. Teacher recommendation is required. Algebra I (8310) In Algebra I, students will be expected to solve multi-step equations/inequalities, apply these equations to real life situations and use mathematical properties to justify any step in the solving process. Other topics taught at this level include 11

probability, statistics, absolute value, roots, operations with radicals, properties of exponents, simplifying polynomials, factoring and solving quadratic equations (including using the quadratic formula) and exploring quadratic equations. Students enrolled in this course will take the Algebra I Keystone Exam. Placement in this course will be based on individual student data and projections of proficiency on future assessments. Honors Algebra I (8311) Honors Algebra I is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in math. The work in this class will allow students to use the concepts outlined in Algebra I and apply those to real world problems at greater depth and breadth. Problem solving, application, communication, and reasoning are emphasized throughout the course. Students enrolled in this course will take the Algebra I Keystone Exam. Placement in this course will be based on individual student data and projections of proficiency on future assessments. Pre-Algebra 8 (8300) In Algebra Topics, students will study irrational numbers, radicals, scientific notation, and will solve problems involving integer exponents, equations in one-variable, and system of equations in two-variables. They will also define, evaluate, and compare linear functions using tables, equations, and graphs. In geometry, rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations will be used to show congruence and similarity of two-dimensional figures on a coordinate plane. Students will also compute the volume of three-dimensional figures using formulas, and will apply the Pythagorean Theorem to real-life and mathematical situations. In statistics, students will investigate patterns in bivariate data. Science (8400) In Science 8, students will study life science and biology. Students will learn about the properties of organic materials, cells, diversity of life, life cycles, biomes, and ecology. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments. Honors Science (8401) In Honors Science 8, students will study life science and biology. The honors level is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in science. Students will learn about the properties of organic materials, cells, diversity of life, life cycles, biomes, and ecology in greater depth and breadth. In addition, students will be required to use the scientific method to participate in a challenging scientific investigation. Students in this course should be strong in math and reading skills and will use literary and graphic skills to express their 12

knowledge of the concepts covered. Teacher recommendation is required for this course. Social Studies (8200) Social Studies 8 focuses on American history from 1787 through 1900. The major topics include the Revolutionary War, development of the United States Constitution, the systems of government, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and Industrialization. Students will develop skills as social scientists such as working with primary and secondary source materials, geography and mapping skills, and developing critical and analytical thinking. Honors Social Studies (8201 ) Honors Social Studies 8 focuses on American History from 1787 through 1900. The course is designed for students who enjoy an in-depth study of American history and seek rigorous, honors level work in the social studies. Students will be required to use both primary and secondary resources to participate in extensive historical research. Students are expected to read many historical texts independently; critical and spatial thinking will be emphasized by developing analytical and interpretive skills. Students will demonstrate an understanding of chronological development and historical comprehension. Teacher recommendation is required for this course. World Language In Grade 8, students can begin their World Language study in a Level I course. Students may select to take German I, French I, or Spanish I. Within each course students will focus on learning concepts of the target language such as sound system, spelling patterns, common vocabulary, simple sentences and question structures. Students will develop basic conversational skills and competencies. Students will also learn about the part of the world in which the target language is spoken. Topics for this include customs, culture, gestures, and social structure. German I WLA 102 (Offered at WTHS only) French I WLA 101 (Offered at WTHS only) Spanish I (8510) 13

ELA/Communication Electives Aristotle to the World Wide Web ( 8010) This rigorous academic course will require students to obtain basic media literacy by developing conceptual tools to think critically about print journalism, advertising, the Internet, and cinema among other forms of media. The course curriculum will focus on developing a foundation in classical rhetorical techniques and applying these techniques when analyzing media, debating current issues, and developing the foundations of academic writing. Heavy emphasis will be placed on public speaking. This course would be selected by students who wish to begin World Language in Grade 9 and would be taken in place of a World Language option in Grade 8. Lights, Camera, Action! ( 7070) (8080) In this course, students will learn about the origins of broadcasting, ethical issues confronted by broadcast journalism, and careers associated with broadcast journalism. Students will learn how to prepare for and conduct an interview, effective public speaking skills, journalistic writing for broadcast, and pre-and post-production processes. Expo Course Descriptions For Expo courses, certain courses are required in Grade 6 and Grade 7. Seventh and eighth grade students have options for which Expo course they can take. Expo Department Expo Options Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Art *Introduction to Middle School Art Intermediate Middle School Art Advanced Middle School Art Business, Computers, and Informational Technology *Office Academy Personal Finance/Job Skills Business / Consumer Media or Programming Family and Consumer Science *FCS I FCS II Innovation and Innovation and Innovation and 14

Music *General Music I or Performance Music General Music II or Performance Music Performance Music Physical Education/ Health *Physical Education I *Physical Education II or Lifetime Fitness *Physical Education III or Lifetime Fitness Technology Education ^STEM I STEM I or STEM II Communications Lights/Camera/Action Lights/Camera/Action * This course is required in that grade. ^ This course has a prerequisite in that grade. There are two Expo periods in the student day. One period will follow an A/B schedule where two courses alternate. Physical education and music courses will follow the A/B schedule so these courses can meet throughout the year. The Business Applications course will also follow the A/B schedule. The Personal Finance/Job Skills course will follow the A/B schedule or a semester schedule. Performance Music Students may select to take band, chorus or orchestra instead of General Music I and General Music II. Students may also select to take band and chorus or chorus and orchestra. Students may take Performance Music in grades 6, 7, and 8. Expo Pathways In sixth grade, all students will take the same Expo courses. In grades 7 and 8, students may decide to follow an Expo pathway based on their interests. By following an Expo pathway, students can concentrate on courses within the department. Expo pathways help students with course selection decisions throughout middle school. Here are sample Expo pathways: 15

Art Expo Period Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 A/B Physical Education General Music I or Performanc e Music Physical Education or Personal Finance/ Job Skills or General Music II or Performance Music or Lights/Camer a/action or Physical Education or Business / Consumer Media or Performance Music or Lights/Camera /Action or Semester Intro to Middle School Art Office Academy Intermediate Middle School Art or FCS I or Advanced Middle School Art or Programming or STEM or FCS II or Lifetime Fitness or Business, Computers, and Information Technology Pathway Expo Period Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 A/B Physical Education General Music I Physical Education or Personal Finance/Job Skills or General Music II or Performance Music or Physical Education or Business / Consumer Media or Performance Music or Semester Intro to Middle School Art Office Academy Personal Finance/ Job Skills or FCS I or STEM I or Programming or Lifetime Fitness or STEM II or FCS II or Lifetime Fitness or 16

STEM Expo Period Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 A/B Physical Education General Music I or Performance Music Physical Education or Personal Finance/Job Skills or General Music II or Performance Music or Physical Education or Business / Consumer Media or Performance Music or Semester Intro to Middle School Art Office Academy FCS I or Personal Finance/Job Skills or Lifetime Fitness or FCS I or Personal Finance/Job Skills or Lifetime Fitness or STEM I or STEM II or FCS II or Programming or *If eligible for STEM I in grade 7 Intro to Middle School Art Office Academy ^ STEM I or FCS I or FCS I or ^ STEM I or STEM II or FCS II or Programming or Lifetime Fitness or ^ This course has a prerequisite in that grade. Art Introduction to Middle School Art ( 1160) This introductory course is every day, full semester, and designed to give sixth grade students a selection of art experiences. Students will explore a variety of art media including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and crafts. Artwork will be discussed with proper vocabulary, historical and cultural significance, and art aesthetics (elements of art and principles of design). Students will produce original works with a strong emphasis on style and technique while making interdisciplinary connections. Students will begin to learn how to assess 17

themselves and others honestly using specific criteria of craftsmanship and aesthetics. Intermediate Middle School Art (1170) Building on the foundational skills from Grade 6, students will continue to explore new materials and techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and crafts. There will be a stronger emphasis on style and design. Art History and its influence on the present day will be discussed in more depth. Pieces produced will begin to show significant improvement in skill level and technique while building a body of work for a portfolio. Students will assess themselves and others honestly with specific criteria based on the elements of art and principles of design and a high level of craftsmanship. This course meets every day for a full semester. Advanced Middle School Art ( 1180) Students who move on to this rigorous course will continue to use new materials and techniques to refine art making skills. This course will help students attain a high level of quality and craftsmanship in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and crafts while developing a personal style. Art from several periods in history will be studied and utilized to inspire and influence personal development within each piece. Students will develop a sense of confidence and independence solving problems and meeting challenges in unique ways. Students will assess themselves and others honestly with specific criteria based on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and personal improvement. This course meets every day for a full semester. Business, Computers, and Information Technology Office Academy ( 1360) Come to the Office Academy where students will review the touch typing method and learn new and exciting ways to use MS Office programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Personal Finance and Job Skills ( 1370) (A/B 1371) This course will introduce students to the world of careers and personal finance -- earnings, saving, spending, and budgeting. Students will learn and apply these important financial skills in real life situations using interactive virtual simulations and other tools. In addition, this course will also help prepare students to enter the workplace, including job searches, job applications, interviews, and teach them skills they will need to be successful at work. 18

Programming ( 1381) Have you ever wondered how your favorite video game or animated movie was made? Are you interested in creating some really cool animated stories, games, and movies quickly and easily using 3-D objects in a virtual world? This course is fun, engaging, and designed to teach about animation and fundamental programming concepts using simple drag and drop and visual learning objects. Business and Consumer Media ( 1380) Did you know that every profession today requires business knowledge? The Business course is designed to engage students in a highly visual, interactive, and realistic hands-on learning experience. Not only will students be introduced to accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, but they will also explore different business related careers and manage and operate their own business and make important day to day decisions using a virtual business simulation. In this course students will also see if they have what it takes to be in the world of sales and marketing. Students will learn how to market products, create logos, flyers, stationary, as well as commercials and advertisements for just about anything while focusing on careers relating to marketing and sales. Family and Consumer Science Family and Consumer Science I ( 1270) This is a required course for all 7 th grade students and will meet every day for a semester. In this course students cover a wide range of problem solving, hands-on activities, technology, and cooperative learning skills and techniques. This is a course about life skills that are relevant to every student! Topics covered in this course include bullying, friendship, dating, peer pressure, work importance, hand-sewing and ironing/laundry care, babysitting, and an introduction to food science and nutrition. Family and Consumer Science II ( 1280) In Family and Consumer Science II, students will explore topics needed for successful and independent living in a world with many choices and influences. This is a course that all 8 th grade students can take if they so choose. In this course, students will go beyond the basics about food science and nutrition to managing a healthy lifestyle and act as a responsible consumer. Topics also include interior design and sewing, money-management, identity theft, child development, and the importance of stable family units. 19

Innovation and Innovation and (1670)(1680) This course will focus on developing 21st Century Skills by incorporating technology concepts, strategies, and resources into an individualized problem-solving quest developed by the student, in conjunction with the facilitator, organized around a topic that the student is passionate about. Students will be able to select and use district provided applications effectively and productively to question, experiment, research, and learn about their own learning. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate creative thinking, problem solving, and collaboration. Course activities provide a pathway for students to assess and apply new knowledge while at the same time explore an area of their individual passion. Music General Music I ( 1060) Skip to the beat with music class. Students learn basic elements and principles within music. Topics include duration, intensity, pitch, composition, and genre. The course includes performing in class, improvising, using vocabulary, and describing style, as well as developing an appreciation for different types of music. General Music II ( 1070) Students interested in continuing with music will take General Music II. In this course, students will use the foundational skills learned in General Music I to advance in the areas of composition, form, harmony, rhythm, and texture. Students will be introduced to the guitar. Performance Music Students who select Performance Music for band, orchestra, and chorus will continue to develop as musicians by applying their musical skills in three performances. This course includes the goals and topics from the general music classes while preparing students for performances through the dynamics of working within an ensemble. Course Codes: Grade 6 Band 1061 Chorus and Band 1064 Chorus 1062 Orchestra 1063 Chorus and Orchestra 1065 20

Grade 7 Band 1071 Chorus and Band 1074 Chorus 1072 Orchestra 1073 Chorus and Orchestra 1075 Grade 8 Band 1081 Chorus and Band 1084 Chorus 1082 Orchestra 1083 Chorus and Orchestra 1085 Physical Education/Health Physical Education 6-8 Students will experience 75 days of Physical Education, including swim classes, and 15 days of Health for a total of 90 classes per year. During class, students will be exposed to individual and team activities. Instruction throughout the year will emphasize gross and fine motor skill development, teamwork, and social interaction. Fitness and Wellness will also be emphasized as critical components of healthy behavior and decision making. Students will learn basic health information and services. This curriculum will be delivered in co-educational grade level classes for both Physical Education and Health. Course Codes: Grade 6 (1560) Grade 7 (1570) Grade 8 (1580) Lifetime Fitness (1590) Lifetime Fitness is a new, semester long course designed to introduce a series of physical fitness related concepts, applications, and activities with the expectation being that the information will enlighten and motivate students to improve their physical fitness and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. These concepts will be presented through a series of demonstrations and lectures, and then applied through a variety of activities such as team/individual lifetime sports, outdoor/cooperative games, and cardiovascular fitness and strength training tasks. This Lifetime Fitness class may include, but is not limited to, the following: Xbox/Wii Fit, TRX Strength Training, Racquet Sports, Cooperative/Adventure Challenges, Dance/Aerobic Activities, and Golf. 21

STEM STEM I ( 1480) (1470) Are you interested in technology, math, and science? Do you want to learn about how math and science fit into a field like engineering or physics? STEM stands for S cience, T echnology, E ngineering, and M ath. Students who are interested in these areas will develop an understanding of basic principles and concepts and how they apply to real-world topics and careers. Topics include Engineering Design, Energy, Construction Technology, Mobile Robotics, and Transportation Technology. Pre-Requisite: Completion of a 7 th Grade Math or Advanced 6 th grade Math STEM II ( 1481) In STEM II, students will take their learning from STEM I to the next level. Students will use the foundational skills from STEM I to develop a deeper understanding of principles and concepts within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Topics include Construction Technology, Mobile Robotics, Mass Transportation, and Industrial Robotics. 22